Relocation Biomes 1-6, 2022, unique artist’s book, accordion structure with screen printing, vinyl, fake turf, felt on paper with hard covers. Closed dimensions 11.5” tall x 16.5” wide x 1” deep, Open dimensions 11.5” tall x 99” wide.

This large accordion book features a series of mixed media prints suggests that humans might relocate endangered animal species to artificial biomes, each supporting life for just a single organism. After researching current scientific papers calling for more conservation areas to protect biodiversity, I wondered how future generations, faced with irreversible species loss, might resort to artificial monoculture to protect the last animals on Earth. By using artificial materials like screen printing inks, vinyl, polyester fabric and fake turf, these conceptual habitats resemble plans for a zoological park in place of wilderness. The geometric patterns, vibrant colors and abstract shapes depict nature through a particular geographic fiction.

The text in the book reads:

“Relocation Biomes 1-6

Six proto-designs for artificially manufactured biomes to support threatened species survival rates based on current predictions of continued habitat loss.

Designs based on conservative estimates of temperature rise of 1.2 degrees Celsius. Calculated solutions only for species unable to disperse, adapt or relocate on their own due to human-made barriers along migration routes.

Series 1-6 provides solutions for forest dwellers (both floor and canopy), large ocean mammals, reptiles and sea birds.Threats to these keystone species will remain in effect while air and ocean temperatures rise.

Each self-contained biome is intended to support life for a single organism, though it is our hope that nature will find a way to recreate biodiversity within these isolated fictional geographies. Designs to be further developed/revised/adapted only after exhausting all other possibilities, as artificial monoculture was never meant to protect all life on Earth.”